Local TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has confirmed that a new Children’s Urgent Care Centre will be developed in Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, following a Cabinet decision today.

“This is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to Connolly Hospital,” Minister Varadkar said.

The Cabinet decided today to proceed with two Ambulatory Care Centres, which provide urgent care for Sick Children. Minister for Health James Reilly recommended that one of these should be based at Connolly.

“Blanchardstown and the greater West Dublin area are home to the youngest population in Ireland. Connolly Hospital is ideally located for this new facility because it lies just off the M50, and is easily accessible from the wider commuter belt around Dublin, as well as Meath and Kildare.

“This demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to the development of services at Connolly Hospital and follows the opening of the MRI scanning suite, the Acute Medical Assessment Unit, and the recent announcement that funding is available to allow St Francis Hospice to open later this year.”

The Children’s Urgent Care Centre will be staffed by paediatricians and will look after sick children who are well enough to be brought in by their parents or referred by their GP. This will include treatment for conditions like minor injuries, bad respiratory infections, or rashes. Major emergency cases will be transferred to the new National Children’s Hospital by ambulance.

“In the run up to the general election, some politicians tried to scaremonger about the future of the hospital, particularly those on the left. While I know there are lots of problems that still need to be solved, I don’t think there can be any doubt about this Government’s commitment to the hospital,” Minister Varadkar added.